How will Utah and its growing population get its water in 2060?

The Department of Natural Resources Utah Division of Water Resources has to answer one tough question. How is the population of Utah going to get its water in 2060?

“The main reason we are into conservation is because of the increasing population,” says Eric Klotz, water conservation and education section chief for the Utah Division of Water Resources. It is the cheapest way to have enough water for the next 50 years and doesn’t require building a new project.

The “Slow the Flow” program is a big part of the conservation education program. The Department of Natural Resources Utah Division of Water Resources has adopted the program from an initiative started by the Jordan Valley Water Conservation District.

The program includes a free water check, tips on how to conserve water and outdoor water usage including how often and how long to water a lawn.

Klotz believes that Utah can create a conservation effort through education and that mandates won’t be required.Between 2000 and 2005, per capita use of water has declined 12 percent. This can be attributed to the drought and to the measures that people have taken to reduce water usage.

“It’s easy to get the low-hanging fruit,” says Klotz, so he expects the next 12 percent reduction to be more difficult.

This article was originally published at examiner.com. Links updated March 2017.